A Local’s Guide to Savoring the Best of London

LuxeGetaways Magazine – Fall/Winter 2017 |The beauty of London comes from its ability to mean different things to different people. “Wander through each charter’d street,” and juxtaposing versions of the same city will unfold at every turn.

To the rich and famous, oligarchs and CEOs, it is a playground. There is no shortage of lavish and obscure bars, restaurants of every variety, and a host of activities for those with a disposable fortune.

Today London’s Mayoral authority promotes the modern business image of the city. However, that traditional, Victorian-feeling Old Smoke still exists too. From the black cabs to the quaint, wood-paneled pubs, that stereotypical image of London town still pervades every alley.

The cost of living has skyrocketed in recent years. Luckily, for students and young professionals, it is still possible to have a (relatively) cheap night out in eclectic Soho. Whether you are living it up in one of the many gay clubs, or being seduced by the surreptitious saxophonic sounds of the late-night jazz bars, there is something for every mood, taste, age… or kink.

For culture-seekers, London is the Golconda of a culturally rich country. This city has been home to so many of the world’s greatest thinkers, writers, artists, actors, academics, scientists and politicians. Anyone at the top of his or her field will, at one point or another, find themselves in London. The British capital is, after all, a stage to the world.

In so much of the United Kingdom, diversity and difference has caused division. For Londoners, diversity has provided the means to sate every desire. Difference inspires the genius that makes London, as William Dunbar put it: “the sovereign of cities.”

Where To Eat: Local Favorites

Borough Market
Borough Market is on every Londoner’s list of favorite places to eat. Here, local vendors sell everything from seafood paella to steak and chips. The quality is excellent. Today, it holds a special place in the city’s heart. In June 2017, the market fell victim to a horrific terror attack. In testament to the love London holds for this place, at the re-opening 11 days later, a crowd of thousands came to observe a minute’s silence before the trading bell rang at 10am. This place is special…

Boulestin
Virginia Woolfe, John Maynard Keynes and their fellow members of the influential Bloomsbury Group dined at this restaurant’s namesake. Today, you can lunch with famous writers and academics from the nearby cluster of world-class universities before heading to the British Museum in the afternoon. The menu is varied, though a little pricey. If only these walls could talk…

The Duck and Waffle
In London on business? Grab a cocktail with your fellow financiers and business buddies while admiring one of the best views in the city. If you are not one for heights, you will certainly need a stiff drink after taking the elevator up forty floors to the restaurant. Luckily, the colorful bar is the centerpiece of a unique two-floored restaurant and bar space. Reserve for late dinners…

The Grenadier
A landmark in its own right, The Grenadier in Belgrave Square is royalty amongst London pubs. This historic treasure chest is not your usual insipid public house. The Grenadier reputation is as illustrious as it is mysterious. Tucked away down the exclusive Wilton Mews, on the corner of Old Barrack Yard, the patriotic Grenadier is painted red, white and blue to match with the sentry box outside.

The Harwood
In many ways, gastropubs are the modern manifestation of British food. Fear not the gloopy mash potatoes from days of old; the only Michelin starred pub in London is a bastion of the food revival in the United Kingdom. If you have worked up an appetite after walking round the museums near South Kensington, go just a little bit further to eat here. Reserve ahead to beat the locals…

The Mayfair Chippy
For fear of retribution, it would be foolish to say that this is the best fish and chip shop in London. Proclaiming such a thing is no small matter, and it would be fiercely contested. Nonetheless, the Mayfair Chippy serves up a stellar version of Britain’s national dish, and is optimally placed for a quick pre-theatre dinner or a post-Soho night out snack. A must-do while in London…

About The Author

Michael Sturrock is a Scottish writer, editor and political commentator. While political writing and consulting occupies most of his time, travel writing remains a passion that was kicked off when studying abroad at the Paris Institute of Political Studies (SciencePo). Along with postgraduate studies at University College London, Michael travels extensively and works in various freelance consulting, writing and editing capacities. Michael’s professional experience includes working in security and foreign affairs fields for the British House of Commons Commonwealth and Parliamentary Association and the External Affairs department of The Scottish Government. Michael is also a keen musician and was the English language Editor at medici.tv for their coverage of the XV International Tchaikovsky Competition, held in Russia.

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